Fibroids Q & A

How can I tell if I have fibroids?

Although many fibroids are small and cause no symptoms, some fibroids may cause symptoms such as:

heavy or painful periods

pain during sexual intercourse

bloating or feeling of fullness in the lower abdomen

aching or pain in the lower back

increased need to urinate

Many fibroids are diagnosed during an annual exam and PAP smear. When the doctor feels a fibroid during an exam or suspects one, diagnostic imaging tests such as ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be used to confirm the diagnosis and gauge the size of the fibroid.

Are fibroids cancerous or can they increase my risk for cancer?

Nearly all fibroids are benign, and having fibroids does not increase your chances of developing uterine cancer. However, fibroids can cause problems, such as difficulty becoming pregnant, premature labor or an increased risk of miscarriage.

Can I have a healthy pregnancy if I have fibroids?

Fibroids that are small to medium in size and do not cause symptoms like pain or heavy bleeding may not cause any problems with pregnancy. However, the increased levels of hormones during pregnancy may cause fibroids to grow. As they become larger, they may pose certain problems with pregnancy and will need to be very closely monitored.

How can fibroids be treated?

There are several techniques for treating fibroids, including laparoscopy and embolization. If you need to have your fibroids removed, Dr. Silver will discuss your options during your consultation.

Who is most at risk for developing fibroids?

Fibroids occur most commonly in women in their 30s and 40s, shrinking during menopause when hormonal levels decline. They're also more common among women who have a family history of fibroids, women who are obese, African-American women and women who eat a diet high in red meat.

What are fibroids?

Fibroids are noncancerous growths within the uterus. They can be so small as to be virtually undetectable, like a grain of sand, or so large as to add significant mass within the uterus, even grapefruit size. A gynecologist often finds fibroids during the manual portion of a pelvic exam. If a patient has fibroid symptoms but no fibroids are detected during an exam, Dr. Kong may use diagnostic imaging like an ultrasound or an MRI to locate the fibroids.

What are the symptoms of fibroids?

Fibroids don't cause symptoms for many women. Those who do have symptoms may notice some or all of the following:

Heavy bleeding during menstruation

Bleeding between menstrual periods

Severe cramps during menstruation

Difficulty conceiving

Erratic menstrual periods

Are fibroids likely to grow larger?

Not always. In some women, fibroids exist for years without growing or even causing any symptoms. In other women, fibroids can grow rapidly, sometimes even triggering new fibroid growth in nearby areas of the uterus.